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<p>Diamorphine Assisted Treatment (DAT) is an option that remains open to local areas
under the existing legal framework, and we support those areas who pursue this approach,
where the relevant licences are obtained from the Home Office. DAT is aimed at those
who are already engaging with treatment but are not responding to opioid substitution
therapy.</p><p>Evidence supporting the value of targeted injectable opioid treatment
(“IOT”) programmes, including heroin/diamorphine assisted treatment (“DAT”), in both
the UK and other countries has been published and informed the UK clinical guidelines
for drug misuse and dependence, as well as guidance on commissioning and developing
IOT services.</p><p>There is mixed evidence for the effectiveness of DAT in tackling
drug-related crime compared with other forms of opioid substitution therapy. However,
the crime reduction benefits of effective drug treatment, including IOT, is well documented
and investing in improved capacity and quality of drug treatment services is an important
part of the Government’s approach to reduce drug-related crime as is set out in the
Drug Strategy.</p>
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